PubMed ID: 21029018
Author(s): Larsen IV, Brandt CR. A cationic TAT peptide inhibits Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection of human corneal epithelial cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Dec;26(6):541-7. doi: 10.1089/jop.2010.0076. Epub 2010 Oct 28. PMID 21029018
Journal: Journal Of Ocular Pharmacology And Therapeutics : The Official Journal Of The Association For Ocular Pharmacology And Therapeutics, Volume 26, Issue 6, Dec 2010
UNLABELLED Abstract Purpose: To determine if a peptide, TAT-Cd(0), inhibits Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection of human corneal epithelial cells.
METHODS TAT-Cd(0) and a control peptide, E(50,51)TAT-Cd(0), were added at various times throughout infection with the lacz-expressing hrR3 virus, and viral replication was measured by β-galactosidase activity. Toxicity was assessed using a dye reduction assay.
RESULTS The CC(50) value for TAT-Cd(0) was ∼100 μM. In assays with peptide present at all times, TAT-Cd(0) was 150-fold more active than E(50,51)TAT-Cd(0) (EC(50) 0.2 vs. 30.0 μM). The EC(50) values of TAT-Cd(0) for entry inhibition, cell protection, virus inactivation, and inhibition of attachment were 0.1, 0.4, 9.5, and 3.0 μM, respectively. TAT-Cd(0) was less effective when added 1 h postinfection (EC(50) = 30.0 μM).
CONCLUSIONS TAT-Cd(0) is an effective inhibitor of Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in human corneal epithelial cells and affects multiple steps before, or very early, in infection. The peptide has potential as an antiviral and further studies are warranted.